Senior Software Engineer - Spacecraft Operations

\n SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER – SPACECRAFT GROUND OPERATIONS\n

As a Senior Software Engineer – Spacecraft Operations at Rocket Lab, you will be at the forefront of space mission operations, developing critical ground software for spacecraft ranging from LEO to interplanetary missions.

Responsibilities\n

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• Develop mission‑critical operations software for spacecraft command and data handling, automation, and visualization across LEO, re‑entry, interplanetary, and proximity operations missions.
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• Build full‑stack web applications including database schema design, back‑end services, front‑end interfaces, and machine‑to‑machine communications for spacecraft operations.
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• Support live spacecraft operations by providing on‑call technical expertise during critical mission phases and participating in ground‑based test campaigns.
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• Architect scalable software solutions by designing and evolving versatile ground software systems that can adapt to diverse and complex mission requirements.
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• Lead technical initiatives, including facilitating scrum activities, conducting code reviews, approving software architectures, and mentoring junior engineers on best practices.
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Qualifications\n

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• Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or similar discipline, plus minimum 5 years of professional experience.
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• Full‑stack development expertise with proficiency in Python for async backend development and TypeScript with modern frameworks (Angular, React, or Vue) for frontend applications.
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• Database and infrastructure knowledge including RDBMS design and SQL, containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes), cloud provider experience, and Linux proficiency for development and production environments.
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• Testing and quality focus as a proponent of unit, integration, and end‑to‑end testing methodologies with experience implementing comprehensive test coverage.
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• Collaborative leadership skills with experience in Agile scrum methodologies, ability to lead technical meetings, and a positive team‑player attitude that fosters cross‑functional collaboration.
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Preferred Qualifications\n

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• Distributed systems experience with third‑party integrations including metrics collection, message brokers, and time‑series databases (e.g., InfluxDB).
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• DevOps proficiency with understanding of CI/CD pipelines and experience creating clean REST APIs for system integration.
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• Network programming skills including experience with TCP, WebSockets, and real‑time communication protocols.
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• Aerospace industry background with experience in satellite operations, interface specifications, CONOPS definition, and mission design documentation.
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• Advanced system design experience in building highly available, fault‑tolerant systems that support critical space mission operations.
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Eligibility and Legal Information\n

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce. For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand offices, applicants must hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, NewZealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a NATO member country, or be eligible under ITAR regulations.

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Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab.

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Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [email protected]. For more information on ITAR regulations, please refer to the relevant government resources.

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